'Ominous signs' of winter pressures as NHS waiting list grows

"Staff are already seeing the ominous early signs of pressure, with more patients coming to A&E with flu and other respiratory viruses than usual for this time of year, and unfortunately many people are still waiting longer than we would like them to."

— Professor Frankie Swords , Academic

"The NHS continues to respond to record demand for care, but the relentless growth in demand for services is putting NHS staff under real pressure."

— Sir Ciarán Devane , Executive

"Thanks to the hard work of staff, the NHS has made progress in bringing down waiting times, but a rise in referrals mean that the service is having to run faster just to stand still and the prospects of meeting the government's pledge are receding."

— Francesca Cavallaro , Executive

"A 13% year-on-year rise in 12-hour emergency department waits as winter approaches should set alarm bells ringing."

— Dr Vicky Price , Academic